Futuristic Menu

Food in the future……………………My fellow bloggers, I would love to share you what we did in our 2012 Christmas Party in our Church. There is a competition were every group needs to design and create a futuristic dinner booth. And I am very happy to tell you guys that we won the first prize. Yes, the overall champion booth. Who knows this might be the start of a new generation that food in the future might come into a capsule. A flavored capsule which you can choose a wide variety of viand such as roast meats, vegetables, dessert, soups and etc. What you think?………..The lovely tomato flower curving was made by my wife!!!!!

Ingredients and preparation:

Lots of love and team efforts!

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Apple Crumble Pie

Apple and apricot slice… This is one of my favourite dessert for apple recipe. Inspired by traditional apple pies, this dessert comes with some apricots and sultanas topped with crumble of oats and butter. Must try!!!!

Ingredients: makes a tin of 6×12 inches

• 5 cups diced apples (in cans) drain syrup
• 1 cup sultanas
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp corn flour
• 1/2 cup bakers flour
• 1 tsp mix spice

* in a mixing large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix very well. set aside

Base and crumble toppings”

• 3 cups bakers flour
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 400 grams melted margarine

* In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well then add in margarine. mix well then transfer half of the mixture to a 6×12 tin with baking paper and bake for 15 minutes at 170 degrees. Serve the other half mixture for crumble topping.

Procedures:

• After the base is cooked, pour in the mixture evenly and toppwed with the remaining crumble. To top simply tear flour mixture everything is covered.
• Bake at 1 hour for 160 degrees. Set aside and cool down and slice in your desred sizes.
• Best served chilled with a cup of coffee or tea.

Gourmet Pies – Mushroom and Spinach

pies….just playing with the layers of spinach in this pie, it is a simple pie made with traditional and all time favorite spinach and feta combination plus a herb roasted mushroom and bacon topping. You can never
Be wrong with this recipe, so simple tet very satisfing taste. Must try!!!!

Ingredients: makes 6 – 8 pies

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 18 pcs button mushrooms (cut in half)
• 5 pcs streaky bacon (cooked)
• 12 pcs fresh spinach leaves
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup fresh milk
• salt and pepper
• mix dried herbs (marjoram and thyme)
• fresh chopped parsley
• Savoury pastry sheets approx 2 pcs 12 x 12
• grated cheese for topping

Procedures:

• In a muffin pan, spray oil and mold pastry sheets using a standard saucer. you can make pie molding of 6 or even 8 pcs on 2 pcs of 12×12 savoury pastry. Place and tear spinach leaves approc 1.5 pcs each molding. Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk and cream and seasoned with salt and pepper and little herbs. Mix well. Pour in to pie molding about 3/4 full. Bake in 160 degrees at 20 minutes. Let it cool then Set aside
• heat a wide pan seared or pan roast mushroom and seasoned with salt and pepper and little herbs.
• Then assemble mushroom and bacon to pie molding topped with cheese. Bring to oven for same degrees allowing the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes.
• Serve hot with your favorite coffee or tea.

Gourmet Ham Sandwich

Gourmet sandwiches……………Just want to share you the best selling ham sandwich “to go or takeaway” I’ve ever made. So simple and very healthy loaded with mesclun greens and vegetables complete with egg served in a soy and linseed bread. Great for you snack, morning and afternoon tea or even lunch and breakfast. ………………Did you know that eggs are very good source of protein? By eating 2 pcs eggs a day, it supplies all the protein you need during the day. As we know, protein helps build our muscles and strong bones. And also, eggs are a very cheap source of protein too. Here in NZ, Eggs are priced at 4.90 NZD a tray (30 pcs). How about in your place?…….

Ingredients:

Egg mixture:

• 4 boiled eggs
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Sandwich Recipe:

• 2 pcs soy linseed bread
• mesclun greens
• grated carrots
• grated cheese
• little mayo
• 2 pcs shoulder ham
• 2 pcs tomato
• 2 pcs cucumber
• egg salad
• salt and pepper

Procedures:

• Just using your creative imagination, assemble all ingredients together.
• Best for your lunch box and snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Dates and Sultana Scones

Scones………..My shift in the morning wont be complete If I don’t make this scone. As part of my routine, baking scones, muffins, rolls, loaf, quiche and other baking staff. I consider this scone making will be your entry-level to the world of baking. The first time I made it, It doesn’t really looks good as the flour did not rise. Because my Pastry Chef told me that if I mix it very well, the scones will not rise. Well, I am a type of person that the motto is “to see is to believe”. So what I did is, I mix it really well. The Chef is right, It did not rise! So from then on, I learn the patience when it comes to baking………………Did you know that dates and sultanas contains fluorine, which is an essential mineral to slow down the process of early tooth decay. Fluorine is also known to keep plaque at bay by strengthening the tooth enamel. However, many people are of the misconception that tooth enamel can magically reverse tooth decay. This is not true. Tooth enamel consists of hydroxyapatites, which when brought in contact with fluorine forms hydroxyfluoroapatites, which is resistant to decay. This clearly means that fluorine helps prevent further tooth decay, but cannot reverse the decay process. …..

Ingredients: makes 8-10 scones depending on your desired size.

• 3 cups self-raising flour (you may need a more)
• 100 grams melted butter
• 100 grams white sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 100 grams dates and 100 grams sultana soaked in 1 cup water for at least 1 hour
• 3/4 cup milk

Procedures:

• In a very wide mixing bowl, combine all wet ingredients first them mix well. Pour in flour and salt and fold until mixture are dry and but little bit soft. you may need extra flour.
• Using your hand, mold a circle flour in your palm depending on your size. repeat procedures and this recipe makes 8-10 scones. place into a tray with sprayed oil.
• Bake at 180 degrees at 25 minutes.
• Serve hot with coffee or tea

Ginger Cake

Ginger……. Aside from this is the name of my daughter, It is one of my favourite ingredients too. That is why I named my daughter “ginger”.  Back to the recipe, It is a recipe inspired from a ginger bread. The base is healthy made with oats and the topping is a creamy butter icing. Over all it is simply irresistible, love it!…………..Did you know that ginger  can also be used for reducing toothache and the discomfort which arises due to the infection in the upper respiratory tract due to its antibacterial and antifungal nature. Also used by pregnant women to ward off the morning sickness……

Ingredients: makes a tin of 6 x 10

• 1.5 cup rolled oats
• 1.5 cup bakers flour
• 2 tbp baking powder
• 1.5 cups desiccated coconut
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 2 tbsp ginger powder
• 400 grams melted margarine

Topping:

• 2 cups icing sugar
• 150 grams butter
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 2 tbsp ginger powder

procedures:

• In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together except margarine. mix well using your hands with gloves. Then pour in melted butter and press into a tin with baking paper. bake for 20 minutes at 160 degrees celcius. set aside.
• IN a thick sauce pan, using low heat settings, stir in topping ingredients. stir very well until melt and smooth consistency. top on ginger bread. Cut in desired size. Best serve chilled.

Vegetarian Savoury Muffin

Vegetarian……….The best vegetable muffin I ever invented. It is composed of carrots, kumara and potatoes with yougart, cheese and other flavours with a little surprise of cream cheese inside. Best consumed fresh from the oven with a side of butter and a cup of your favourite coffee or tea. I am hungry! Sounds like I want to eat breakfast now………………..Did you know that this muffin is loaded with vegetables. My favourite vegetable is carrot. Carrot are very healthy vegetable. Carrot has a strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, so that the overall effective for acne that is caused by toxins from the blood. Carrot is also useful for treating uneven skin tones because of pigmentation. The vitamin A and other nutrients contain in carrot efficiently nourish the skin, prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes…………..

Ingredients: makes 12-15 muffins

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups self raising flour (may need more)
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup fresh grated carrots
• 1/2 cup cube potato
• 1/2 cup cube kumara
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/2  cup yougart
• 1/2  cup fresh cream
• 1/2 cup fresh milk
• 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper

Toppings;

• pumpkin seeds
• grated cheese
• sesame seeds

procedures:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients wet ingredients together. mix well then add all ingredients except cream cheese.
• Spray muffin tins/trays and pour in mixture halfway, add in cream cheese and cover with muffin mixtures then top with cheese, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. repeat procedures for 12 muffins.
• pre heat oven at 170 degrees celsius and baked for 25 minutes.
• Enjoy with a cup of coffee -flat white, latte and cappuccino or hot tea.

Florentine Slice

Florentine slice………Inspired by power nuts bar like muesli bars, nutty and fruit bars and many more. This is one of the most healthy loaded protein bars you may need the whole day. It is a classic mix of peanuts and cashew nuts plus oats bind with condensed milk, melted chocolate and coconut meat(dessicated). I love it!…………….Did you know that nuts   especially peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. These nuts are also a  good source of dietary protein compose fine quality amino acids that are essential for growth and development……

Ingredients: makes 6×12 pan

• 1 cup cashew nuts
• 1 cup peanuts
• 1 cup sultana
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dessicated coconut fine
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 4 cups corn flakes
• 1/4 cup dessicated coconut long (for topping)

Base ingredients:

• 400 grams dark chocolate
• 1/4 cup canola oil

Procedures:

• In a microwavable mixing bowl, combine dark chocolate and oil and heat to microwave for about 1 minute. then continue stirring until smooth mixture and transfer into a baking tin with baking paper. set aside and place in fridge to cool down for15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine melted butter, condensed milk and golden syrup, mix well. set aside. (wet mixture)
• IN a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. mix well then pour in  wet mixture and mix well again.
• Transfer into the baking pan with chocolate. Top and garnish with long dessicated coconut.
• Heat oven at 160 degrees and bake for 25 minutes
• Once, cook, let it cool and slice in your desired sizes. Best serve cold.

Ube Cake (purple yam cake)

Ube cake or purple yam cake……….For those who just tuned in, this is dessert we had on our 7 course meal. This was baked by my wife from the scratch to finish. It is a cake made with ‘sweet purple potato” in a soft spongee cake filled with macapuno and dressed with cream cheese and sugar frosting. This is the first time my wife made this. The chiffon cake is very traditional, the filling and frosting came from her creative imagination. I would say that after she made this, now I have a patisserie chef…………………….Did you know that purple yam or sweet purple potato specially with a thicker purple skin has a cancer-fighting properties. the anthocyanin which is present in sweet potato can prevent, treat or slow down the growth of cancerous cells…………

Ingredients: serves 1 8×8 square pan (double layer cake)

• 2 1/2 cup cake flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cooked purple yam or sweet potato (grated after cooking)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ts[ vanilla extract
• 1/2 glutinous cup corn syrup
• 8 egg whites
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 6 drops red food color
• 6 drops blue food color
• 12 ounces macapuno (coconut preserve)
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Butter icing:

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 3 drops red food coloring
• 3 drops blue food coloring

Procedures:

• In an electric mixer with bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt, place grated ube, milk, egg yolks, syrup, oil and vanilla extract. mix well. set aside. (we will call this mixture A)
• In an electric mixer with bowl,  mix egg whites and cream of tartar until smooth and foamy. add white sugar gradually then add in food coloring. set aside (we will call this mixture B)
• Then combine and fold mixture A and B.
• divide and pour mixtures in two sets of 8×8 pan (place baking paper on tin)
• pre-heat oven 165 degrees and bake for 30 minutes
• To check if the cake is ready, when your finger bounces back it means it is ready
• Let it cool for 1 hour. remove from tin and assemble cake into a serving cake tray. (you can trim in some as your desired cake shape)
• Place one layer of chiffon cake first then fill with a jar of macapuno then top the other chiffon cake.
• Mean time, Place all ingredients of the frosting into a mixing bowl. mix well until smooth and creamy. divide the mixture into two parts. place food coloring on the other part.
• Using your imagination, decorate the cake as you want.
• Enjoy!!!

Canape’s – Melba toast with creamy bacon and egg dip

Canape…………..I have invited my friend to our house have a 7 course meal cooked by me and my wife. It is a despedida party to her mom who just visited here in New Zealand. I am nervous which meal I will serve because this man is not an ordinary man (he is the big boss of an Air flight company) and one the leading and unbeatable man when it comes to “food blogging”. (pre ok ba yung introduction ko sayo). This man is the “Angsarap” author and the one who introduce me to do the food blogging………….Enough of the introduction, back to the 7 course dinner. To start with, I decided to make a canape as our “bread and butter” since I will be doing the Russian service. This canape is just made with a simple slice of french bread where most people called it as “melba toast”. To add a little flavor, instead of a common liver pate and butter, I created a bacon and egg dip and a little greens to enhance its flavor. the greens was the pesto sauce. Stay on this channel as tomorrow I will be featuring the 2nd recipe on the 7 course Russian dinner………………. Did you know that pesto sauce main ingredients is basil leaves? and basil leaves are Basil is also known to have extremely powerful antioxidant properties, especially when it is used in the form of an extract or oil. The natural antioxidants found in basil can protect the body against damage from free radicals, thereby preventing cellular aging, common skin ailments, and even most forms of cancer. Antioxidants are an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and basil may be a safe and effective source of these potent, life-giving compounds.

Ingredients: serves 7 to 8 persons

• 1 whole french bread sliced in 1/3 inch thick
• 2 boiled eggs
• 4 strips toasted bacon(in bits)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 50 gms sliced lettuce leaves

Procedures:

• In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except french bread and sliced lettuce leaves. mix well
• In a plate, using your creativity, plate melba toast with dip as shown on the pictures above.
• Garnish your plate with pesto sauce

pesto sauce

• 1 bunch of basil leaves (approx 200 grams)
• 2 cups olive oil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 4 pcs chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

Procedures:

• In a food processor, blend all ingredients together and transfer in a clean container preferably a bottler or a ketsup dispenser. Use for pasta or for garnishing.

Maja Blanca

maja blanca………….When it comes to traditional desserts, I let my wife do it. To be honest, she is a good chef. Very patient, well organize and detailed. And most of all, she does it with at most love. Ok, enough of my wife, let’s go back to this recipe. Maja blanca it is also known as coconut cake or corn bread except it consist of cornstarch, coconut milk, corn kernels, sugar/condensed milk mixed and “stir-cooked” to a perfect consistency. I believe this recipe is one our old traditional Philippine dessert as in old times, we don’t have oven to cook. Just using a careful “stir-cooked” method you can have this very delightful sweets………………Did you know that corn is the main ingredients of this recipe. And corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially thiamin and niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency leads to Pellagra; a disease characterised by diarrhoea, dementia and dermatitis and is commonly observed in malnourished individuals. Corn is also a good source of Pantothenic acid which is a vitamin necessary for carbohydrate as well as protein and lipid metabolism in the body. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women leads to birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects at birth……….

Ingredients: makes a round serving tray

• 3/4 cup fresh milk
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup kernel corn
• 1 cup condensed milk
• toasted desiccated coconut meat

Procedures:

• In a sauce pan, place coconut milk and boil. then using low heat settings add in sugar and condensed milk. continue stirring and add in kernel corn.
• combine fresh milk and cornstarch. add in this mixture and carefully mix. mix until cooked and slightly thickened.
• Transfer into a serving dip tray. let it cool then place in fridge.
• Garnish with toasted coconuts on top.
• Serve chilled

Cocktail Pizza Petite

yahCocktail pizza pitite………..Want an easy as one-two-three cocktail recipe, well check this out. It is just made with a french bread and the most common pizza ingredients. I thing almost every single ingredients I used here is present in your cup board as well. The pizza sauce I made was the basic tomato-onion-oregano-basil sauce. Then the topping is consist of Hawaiian style- can be pineapple slices, ham, cheese and onion, or you may add fresh tomatoes, capsicum and many more. How about you? What ingredients do you put on your pizza?…………………………Did you know that ingredients I used in my pizza such as pineapple is a very good source of vitamin C and fiber which is very important to our immune and digestive system. This delightful tropical fruit is high in the enzyme Bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C, both of which plays a major role in the body’s healing process. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that has many health benefits and encourages healing. Pineapple fruit is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium.

Ingredients: bread and its topping

• 1 long french bread (cut thinly or as you desired)
• 1/2 cup pineapple slices
• 3 slices of ham (chopped to small dice)
• 1 small capsicum diced
• 1 small onions chopped to small dice)
• 1 cup grated cheese (quickmelt)

To make pizza sauce:

• saute 2 cloves chopped garlic and 1 small chopped onions then add 2 cups of tomato sauce, 3 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp of oregano. then seasoned with 1 tsp of basil(dried), salt & pepper.

Procedures:

• Spread pizza sauce to the french bread slices(or pizza dough) and using your imagination, topped the following ingredient. Actually you can choose topping that what you are craving for…like pineapple, pepperoni, capsicum and more….
• bake for 180 degrees celsius at 5 minutes or until ready.
• Best serve with a hot sauce..
• Best for cocktail party

Coconut Fudge Brownie

coconut fudge brownie…………A favourite dessert in our cafe, sometimes brownie alone can be boring to have, so fusions of fudge brownie was invented. Some cafe in our place serve marshmallow brownie, american brownie, caramel fudge brownie and many more………..Did you know that coconut in some ways may help prevent obesity by speeding up metabolism, providing an immediate source of energy with fewer calories than other fats.  Coconut also improves digestion and many of the symptoms and inflammatory conditions associated with digestive and bowel disorders, by supporting absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids while also providing beneficial dietary fiber……..

Ingredients: makes 2 sets of 6×6 baking tin

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup dark chocolate buttons
• 1 cup butter
• 3 pcs eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• White chocolate buttons – for garnishing

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 50 gms butter
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

* using electric mixer, cream butter and sugar first then mix all ingredients until soft and smooth.

Procedures:

• In a mixing bowl over boiling water, melt butter and dark chocolate buttons. remove from pan of water and continue stirring. let it cool for a while then beat egg one at a time.
• Then transfer into a large mixing bowl and stir in the rest of the ingredients.
• Pre-heat oven at 160 degrees
• Grease tin with spray oil and pour over mixture. makes 2 sets and bake for 20 minutes.
• When brownie is done, let it cool. then slice in your desired size. garnish with chocolate frosting in some white chocolate buttons
• Serve in a platter and Enjoy!!!

By the way….I was very happy, one of our co-blogger nominated me for this “the versatile blogger” award. Even its just a nominee, it means a lot to me. For you http://ylbnoel.wordpress.com/.. Thank you very much!!! SALAMAT at SALUDO ko sayo tol!!!!

Lea’s Brazo de Mercedes

This is the first time my wife bake this, a special request from me as our dessert this holiday season. If you looking for a quality dessert with a very reasonable price of ingredients, this is the answer. It is mainly made with eggs and condensed milk. Believe it or not, We made this 4 consecutive days as our dessert. Because we had 4 consecutive days of invitation to our friends. So if you’ll invite me to your place, My wife will be very happy to bake this for you.(by the way, this will be the second time I will be posting this recipe)……………….Did you know that eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12………

Ingredients:

• 10 raw eggs, separate yolks from white
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 4 tbsp confectioner sugar
• 1 can 14 oz condensed milk

To prepare custard:

• In a saucepan using low heat settings,  whisk egg yolks then add condensed milk, vanilla extract. cool down and set aside

To prepare merengue:

• In a mixing bowl, pour in egg white and cream of tartar and mix using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. add in caster sugar in small quantities and whisk.
• Pre-heat oven at 170 degrees celsius. In a cookie pan, spray oil and place baking paper, spread merengue using a spatula evenly. You can use fork to create lines and designs. Bake for atleast 10 minutes or until lightly brown. cool down and set aside and dust with sugar confectioner
•  flip over the merengue and spread custard evenly. again, dust it with sugar confectioner
• Then slowly roll over the cake to form a cake roll look-alike. Be gently.
• Place in fridge for minimum of two-hour.
• Enjoy!!!

Chocolate Loaf

To be honest, this recipe is like bread with a chocolate spread but using white and dark chocolate that makes it a little bit exciting to eat. Best paired with a cup of coffee or tea during breakfast or simply have it as a dessert after meal or best lunch box to school or to your office. You can chilled it in fridge and get a slice and warm in a microwave for 30 seconds. It’s an instant snack as well………….Did you know that dark chocolates is an anti-oxidant powerhouse. Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in cell-protecting antioxidants — natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts.

Ingredients: serves on 2 cake loaf tin

• 2 cups bakers raising flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup melted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dark chocolate bits
• 1/2 cup white chocolate mini chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 pcs fresh eggs

Procedures:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar and butter well for about 5 minutes then add egg one at a time.
• Add in all ingredients except dark and white chocolate. mix well.
• then fold in dark and white chocolate.
• pre-heat oven at 160 degrees and bake for 30 minutes.
• cool down for an hour before serving.
• Serve with coffee or tea.